Let’s Get Going, which is jointly commissioned by four Berkshire local authorities including Reading Borough Council and run by Solutions 4 Health, is a free 10-week programme for children aged seven to 12 years.

It aims to inspire and help them - and their families - to lead a healthy and active life in the long term.

The initiative, based in schools as an after-school club, offers advice on the benefits of healthy eating and behaviour change and includes practical physical activity.

After-school sessions last an hour and 25 minutes with parents or guardians invited to join in the last 20 minutes each week to help transfer what the children have learnt into the home.

Let’s Get Going launched this month at Battle Primary Academy in Cranbury Road, West Reading, on Monday, May 16. Other schools are expected to take part during the September term.

Although childhood obesity among the youngest school children in Reading has dropped in the last two years, there has been a slight increase among children in the older age groups at primary school, up from 19.9 per cent to 20.4 per cent.

Let’s Get Going is one of a number of council-funded schemes in Reading to support and encourage young people to eat a healthy diet and be more active.

Other initiatives include:

The Beat the Street walking challenge. Almost 24,000 people travelled 306,600 miles during 2015 and the 2016 competition launched on Sunday, April 15

a council health walks co-ordinator supports the delivery of a range of walking activities for all ages including walking events for schools and regular health walks open to children accompanied by an adult

the Healthy Child Programme in which school nurses provide services for children and young people aged five to 19 years which includes professional support for those who are overweight or obese and advice on diet and healthy lifestyles for all

a play service for younger children.

For further information, email the Let’s Get Going team at info@lets-get-going.co.uk or call 0118 334 1864 or visit www.lets-get-going.co.uk.

Councillor Graeme Hoskin, lead member for health, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to support the Let’s Get Going school initiative to return again this year.

“Obesity in our town, particularly amongst our children and young people, is a concern and one of our health priorities as a council.

“We support and encourage children and young people to be more active through a number of great initiatives.

“The council firmly believes focussing our efforts and working with partners in this area now saves public health services – including the NHS – money in the long run.”